Page 193 - (DK) Smithsinian - Military History: The Definitive Visual Guide to the Objects of Warfare

191

Wooden
stock

Ramrod for
loading bullets
▲ FRENCH HOLSTER PISTOL Muzzle-loading smoothbore ▲ NEW LAND-PATTERN 1802 The British Army’s New Land-Pattern WEAPONS OF THE REV
Date c.1810 pistols, such as this French Date 1810 pistol, first introduced in 1802, was
holster weapon, were easy a competent, sturdy design that remained
Origin France Origin UK
to carry but often inaccurate in service until flintlocks gave way to
1
and unreliable. Weight 17 ⁄2oz (500g) percussion in the 1840s. A version
Barrel 9in (23cm) with a flat butt and lanyard ring was
produced for the cavalry.
Caliber .65in
Pierced disk hilt

Long langets ▲ HEAVY CAVALRY TROOPER’S British heavy cavalry used Heavy blade with OLUTIONAR
SWORD PATTERN 1796 the stirrup-hilt British Heavy hatchet point
Date 1796 Cavalry Sword of 1796 in the
Napoleonic Wars. They criticized
Origin UK it for being unwieldy, but it was
Weight 2 ⁄2lb (1.13kg) a forceful cutting sword. Y
1
1
Length 3 ⁄4ft (1.01m)

Ramrod AND NAPOLEONIC W

Heavy curved blade,
broader at tip than hilt ARS

Suspension ring

Stirrup-hilt

Polished
steel scabbard

▲ LIGHT CAVALRY TROOPER’S This British light cavalry sword had ▼ FRENCH CAVALRY SABER French cavalry sabers had
SWORD PATTERN 1796 a heavy blade that broadened toward Date 1802 narrower blades than their British
Date c.1800 the tip. This added power at the point Origin France counterparts. The iron scabbard
of impact—a single blow could sever was tougher than earlier brass
Origin UK an arm or split a skull. Weight 2 ⁄4lb (1kg) and leather examples.
1
1
Weight 2 ⁄4lb (1kg) Length 3 ⁄4ft (1m)
1
Length 38in (96.5cm)

Scabbard